By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
A Look at How Firefighters Respond to a Different Bell on New Years with Safety First!
New Year’s Eve is always a special night—we gather with family and friends, and sometimes hit the town—to ring in the new year. But it’s not all fun and games. Safety is a must when participating in the festivities reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.
Following are a few firefighter safety tips you can relate to that will help you stay safe and sound when the clock strikes midnight and the bells ring!
Designate a Qualified Apparatus Operator: Just like any other night, don’t drink and drive. Take a cab or rideshare service or arrange to stay overnight at a friend’s house. Have a friend who prefers not to drink? They’re the perfect chauffeur!
Hit the Air Brakes: Better yet if you don’t have to go behind the wheel—or even get in a car—don’t! More people will be driving under the influence on New Year’s Eve, so avoid the potential for an accident by staying off the roads all together.
Maintain Situational Awareness: Yes, you’re out to have a good time, not to work. But New Year’s Eve is no time to let your guard down. If you’re at a party or a nightclub, there’s an increased potential for fights to break out or a medical emergency to occur. And as we know, some people are looking for opportunities such as big gatherings to commit acts of terror. As a first responder, if something happens, people will be looking to you. Relax and have fun, but stay alert, too.
Pre-planning Your Location: Whether you are heading to a concert, party, dinner, special event, hotel preplan when you arrive. Survey your surroundings. Identify all exits, potential event hazards, occupancy, fire extinguishers etc. Let others you are attending with know them too. Situational awareness at all times!
Use the Buddy System: It’s not quite two-in, two-out, but it’s best to travel in groups and watch out for one another. New Year’s Eve can get a little crazy, but there’s safety in numbers.. Monitor Your Intake: For many people, New Year’s Eve celebrations involve champagne and other adult drinks. That’s OK—but remember that moderation is key. Keep tabs on how much you and the people you’re with are consuming. Rotate alcoholic drinks with water and remember to take it easy!
Protect Those K-9s: Don’t forget about your pets! While you’re out partying, they might be cowering in fear from fireworks or other loud celebrations. Try to find them a quiet spot and check in on them frequently.
Watch Out for Hot Spots: Residential structure fires on the rise. Candles, incense and oil burners are festive. But no decoration is worth your life. Closely monitor any open flames and remember to extinguish all candles and unplug holiday lights before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Leave Fireworks to the Professionals. Don’t risk starting a fire or hurting someone by messing around with fireworks on New Year’s Eve. You can catch a much better light show in person or on TV—without jeopardizing safety. In the fire service we always say, “Everyone Goes Home.” The same attitude should apply to your New Year’s Celebration. By using some common sense, we can all go home safely. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
